Our Instructors

Cynthia Young 4th Dan

Cynthia began her martial arts training when she was 7 years old. At that time there were very few karate schools and even fewer children taking classes. She worked out with her dad, Royce Young, in the garage. Then she began going to Allen Steen's classes with her dad in the old Texins gymnasium.

Cynthia had the privilege of training with many of the old "Blood and Guts" black belts. Mr. Steen was her idol, of course. Then there was Art Heller, Tim Tieyah, James Toney, Marian and Jack Erickson, Phil Wileman, Ronnie Cox, Linda Walden, Joy Turberville, Ted Gambordella, Nolan Johnson, Linda McKinney, and others.

In those days there was no protective gear and no mercy so she got used to being bruised and beaten. Cynthia knew she'd had a good workout when she had a bruise the size and shape of Mr. Cox's footprint on her hip!

One of her favorite memories is breaking a board when she was 10 years old in one of Mr. Steen's classes and getting his signature on it. It now hangs on her office wall!

There were fewer tournaments when she was competing and those were huge events.

Cynthia quit practicing the martial arts when she was in middle school and had other interests. After graduating from Texas Woman's University and beginning her teaching career with Plano I.S.D., she decided to continue her studies.

While a brown belt she helped organize the start up of Lone Star Karate Academy in McKinney. She was assistant director of the Bluebonnet Karate Championships, an A.O.K. tournament. Cynthia also redesigned the Requirement sheets and the Belt Test exam sheets.

Cynthia received her 1st degree black belt February 21, 1994, her 2nd degree black April 8, 1998, and her 3rd degree black belt September 2002.

Cynthia now enjoys teaching the youth karate classes while also teaching elementary students in Plano.

Ms. Young was promoted to 4th Dan in May 2006 upon nomination from Master Ottis Wooten, Grandmaster Royce Young and Grandmaster James Toney, and by vote of the High Dan Board.